Despite playing in only eight regular season games in 2016 (six full games), Rob Gronkowski finished the season with 540 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He posted double digit fantasy points in all but one of those six games, including seven catches for 162 yards and a touchdown Week 6 against the Bengals.

When healthy, Gronk is the biggest difference maker in fantasy football, and his ability to outperform everyone at his position makes him one of the most valuable players in the game. The problem is that he has only played in one 16-game season since joining the league in 2010, and it is almost a certainty that he will miss at least a few games this year.

The other issue with taking Gronk in the second round is the opportunity cost of passing on No.1 running back and wide receiving options for a player as volatile as Gronkowski. But if he plays at least ten games in 2017, he is all but guaranteed double digit touchdowns and 1000 yards.

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has been cleared from the concussion protocol, he confirmed on Thursday.
"I'm cleared, ready to roll," he said, adding that he has no limitations. "It feels good." (ESPN)

FFToday's Take:Now it's official. We've expected Gronk to be cleared at some point after suffering a concussion during the AFC Championship game a week and a half ago. He should be a key part of the Patriots gameplan in Super Bowl LII.

FFToday's Take:Gronk returned to practice on Saturday after sitting out earlier in the week. While he has to officially clear the concussion protocol, he is expected to do so in time to play in Super Bowl LII.

FFToday's Take:While it is impossible to say for certain whether or not Gronk will be ready in 1 1/2 weeks, most athletes without an extensive history of concussions can usually clear the league's protocol in around a week. For right now, the odds are very strong he will play and be a critical part of the game plan.

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was listed with a concussion on the team's initial injury report ahead of Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The injury report said Gronkowski would not have practiced had the Patriots taken the field Wednesday.
(ESPN.com)

FFToday's Take:Rob Gronkowski's concussion will be one of the biggest story lines leading up to the Super Bowl. Despite being an oft-injured player, this is the first time in his career that he finds himself listed on an injury report due to a concussion.

Rob Gronkowski suffered a concussion in the second quarter of the Patriots’ 24-20 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, the Pats are optimistic he’ll be cleared to play against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII on Feb. 4 in Minneapolis, according to a Herald source. (Boston Herald)

FFToday's Take:Gronk finished with one catch for 21 yards against the Jaguars but missed half the game after being ruled out with a concussion. Considering he'll get two weeks to recover, it would be surprise if he's not ready to face the Eagles in Super Bowl LII.

A surprise for today’s big game: Patriots WR Chris Hogan not expected to play vs Steelers as he continues recovery from shoulder injury, per league source.‬ (Adam Schefter on Twitter)

FFToday's Take:Hogan's absence is somewhat of a surprise considering he played the majority of snaps last week. The Patriots signed Kenny Britt early this week. In Hogan's absence expect more work for Brandin Cooks, Rob GronkowskiDanny Amendola and the running backs.

FFToday's Take:Hogan has been out since suffering a shoulder injury in Week 8. With Rob Gronkowski missing this game due to suspension, Hogan has a decent chance to return WR3/Flex value against the Dolphins.

Gronk suspended one game for late hitGronkowski will appeal the penaltyBy: Mike Krueger | Mon Dec 4, 3:30 pm

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has been suspended one game by the NFL without pay for his late hit on defenseless Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White in Sunday's 23-3 victory.
Gronkowski, who was penalized on the play but not ejected from the game, can appeal the suspension. It is the first NFL suspension for Gronkowski since he entered the league as a second-round draft choice with the Patriots in 2010. (ESPN)

FFToday's Take:The late hit was egregious and he should be suspended. He's lucky he wasn't kicked out of the game. The Pats play the Dolphins in Week 14. Dwayne Allen would start in Gronk's absence but hasn't been involved in the offense for much of the season.

FFToday's Take:There's been nothing to suggest Gronk won't be ready for Week 12 versus the Miami Dolphins. Although his fantasy production has been lacking lately, he is still a top-three play at tight end regardless of his matchup. Bennett is a low-end TE2 play at best if Gronk plays.

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